Women’s Volleyball Named 2023 AVCA Team Academic Award

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Fontbonne University women's volleyball team earned the 2023 USMC-AVCA Team Academic Award, announced the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) last Thursday.

The award which initiated in the 1992-93 academic year, honors volleyball collegiate and high school volleyball teams that maintain a year-long grade-point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.

SLIAC members Greenville University, Webster University and Westminster College joined Fontbonne University on being named to the Team Academic Award.

The Griffins won the SLIAC Championship last year for the first-time since 2005 before having their season come to a close at the NCAA Regionals against the No. 1 Claremont-Mudd-Scripps. The team concluded the season with a 15-11 overall record and 10-4 in conference play.

"Our coaching staff, athletic department, and university as a whole are very proud of what our players have been able to accomplish in the classroom this year," stated Head Coach Jimmy Stika. "Winning this award shows how dedicated our players are to not only winning on the court, but also being the best they can be academically. We're very lucky to have such a great group of young women representing our program!"

The Griffins are set to open up its 2023 season on the road at the Illinois College Tournament on Aug. 26.

To view a list of all the award winners, click here.

About the AVCA

The AVCA, an educationally based nonprofit headquartered in Lexington, KY, is the largest and most diverse volleyball coaches' association in the world. With a broad mandate to develop the sport, the AVCA provides leadership, recognition, advocacy, and professional development opportunities to over 8,200 volleyball coaches. Members include college, high school, club, and youth coaches, and well as a wide variety of product and service providers. Further information is available at avca.org.